The lame-duck legislative session began with three session days in the House and two in the Senate following the November election. Many committee hearings were also held the week of November 11 to set legislation up for debate in the full chambers. But the work will really get started when they return from the hunting and Thanksgiving break on Dec. 3. There are currently 8-10 session days scheduled through the end of the year.

While we would prefer that lame duck be short and quiet, we do have a complete list of bills we are watching.  Things in lame duck can move at an accelerated pace thereby making it difficult to share timely information. We will do our best to keep you as informed as possible throughout the month.

Key issues we are tracking include changes to Public Act 152, which governs the insurance hard cap and 80/20 requirements, additional trainings for school staff, changes in the work permit process, and tax reductions to the School Aid Fund. We will send action alerts on those bills that are especially critical to school districts. Please watch for those opportunities to respond and share them with your fellow board members, staff, family and friends. The more voices the Legislature hears from, the more effective we are.

Finally, if you missed Views From the Capitol on Nov. 18, it is now available through our website.  In the webcast we covered the lame duck rumors and some of the legislation we are watching. As always, if you have questions or need assistance contacting your legislator, please contact us, we are here to help.